You are here:

Surgery for Chronic Pelvic Pain

Surgery Overview

Laparotomy is a surgical procedure that is done by making an
incision in the lower abdomen. This allows the surgeon to see and inspect the
abdominal cavity for structural problems, sites of
endometriosis (implants), and scar tissue (adhesions). The surgeon can then remove implants and
adhesions. The surgeon can also correct structural problems that interfere with
an organ's normal function, such as removing adhesions from the bowel
wall.

Many of the procedures that required a laparotomy in the
past can now be done with
laparoscopy, which uses a smaller incision. Ask your
surgeon why laparotomy is required.

There is concern that an
ovarian cyst might mean the presence of ovarian cancer.

A laparotomy is usually required to remove:

Sites of endometriosis (implants) and scar
tissue (adhesions) that:

Bind one segment of bowel to another
segment or to other structures in the pelvis.

Have penetrated
deeply into an abdominal organ and cannot be safely removed by
laparoscopy.

Large sites of scar tissue
(adhesions).

Nerves, for pain control (presacral
neurectomy).

How Well It Works

Surgery for chronic female pelvic
pain should be limited to the treatment of surgically correctable problems.
There is no evidence that surgical removal of the reproductive organs relieves
chronic pelvic pain.footnote 1

Risks

Pain may not be controlled or may get
worse.

Scar tissue (adhesions) may form at the surgical site, on
the ovaries or fallopian tubes, or in the pelvis.

What To Think About

Laparotomy may be needed when scar
tissue binds abdominal organs, impairing their function. But a laparotomy
may cause more scar tissue to form.

It is important that your
surgeon understands your treatment goals. Be sure you discuss your goals, such
as the desire for future pregnancies. If fertility is not your primary
treatment goal, a decision could be made to remove one or both ovaries, one or
both fallopian tubes, or the uterus during a laparotomy.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.